The latest from Welcome Tours

Being short on creative talent myself, I'm greatly in awe of people who can use their minds and hands to produce objects of beauty. ​​

My father was a water colour painter and skilled woodworker. My sisters are both accomplished artists, working in several mediums. Me? Zip talent discovered as yet... but ever hopeful. Our mother has beautiful art works by family members gracing her home but I'm sad to say my piece on her wall (pictured) was done when I was at kindy, when my creativity appears to have been at its peak. ​

I have tried various art forms from time to time over the years. A while ago, inspired by a treasured shawl made for me by my grandmother, I decided to give crochet a go. ​

Given that people voluntarily crochet coverings for city bike stands and park benches, how painful could it be? Well, it turned out to be impossible for me to turn a corner in my crochet. There's only so much you can do with a REALLY long string of small hoops! I tried following YouTube video instruction, I even contacted the local rest home, thinking someone there might enjoy helping me turn a corner with my crochet, but it wasn't to be. Maybe my reputation preceded me. ​​

This Thursday Welcome Tours will get hands-on in Lower Hutt on the Let's Get Crafty tour, with a beading activity at Village Beads. Fortunately we won't be left to our own devices, we'll be given expert guidance on how to successfully create something like these lovely miniature christmas trees.

Sticking with the craft theme, Welcome Tours will take a group up to visit the biannual Feilding Craft Market in June. I'm really looking forward to it. This is the largest indoor craft market in New Zealand with over 200 stall-holders coming from across the country. The venue is the size of a rugby field. That's a lot of craft!​

Here in Wellington, if you are hunting for gifts or souvenirs, these are my tips for great arts and crafts shopping spots.

The Academy Shop in the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts on Queens Wharf is a great place to buy original pieces from a range of mediums.

Before travelling overseas I usually purchase gifts for my hosts from Kura Gallery on Allen Street. It stocks beautiful hand-crafted products including many Maori pieces.

If you are visiting Petone, I recommend Alfred Memelink's Artspace on the foreshore, with its gallery of beautiful and fun creations by many talented local artists.

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Thank goodness for other people's talent! There's a lot to look forward to over the next few months. ​And keep an eye out for a Welcome Tours day trip to selected Wellington city art galleries over Winter. ​